equivalent

Having the same value, meaning, effect, or usefulness as something else.

• The two tickets have equivalent value.
• Her qualification is equivalent to a university degree.
• These words are roughly equivalent in meaning.

How to use it: equivalent to something (This amount is equivalent to two weeks’ pay.); equivalent in something (The two courses are equivalent in difficulty.)

Similar words: equal, comparable

Opposites: unequal

Common phrases: equivalent value, roughly equivalent, equivalent qualification

Having equal area or volume, although the shapes cannot fit exactly over each other.

• These differently shaped figures are equivalent.
• The square and triangle are equivalent in area.
• Two equivalent solids can have different shapes.

How to use it: equivalent to something (The triangle is equivalent to the square in area.)

Common phrases: equivalent figures, equivalent solids

Something with the same value, meaning, effect, or purpose as something else.

• There is no exact English equivalent.
• We paid the equivalent of twenty euros.
• This device is the modern equivalent of a typewriter.

How to use it: equivalent of something (She earned the equivalent of fifty dollars.); equivalent in something (Does this word have an equivalent in English?)

Similar words: counterpart, equal

Common phrases: modern equivalent, English equivalent, local equivalent